Start Your Engines

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and their popular side-by-side cousin, the Razor, which can be described as the souped-up, steroid-injected love child of golf cart and a four-wheeler, are well known throughout southern Utah. These recreational vehicles can be rented on nearly street every corner throughout Moab, Zion, Bryce and other popular destinations.

And while these off -road vehicles are well known for their ability to effortlessly navigate sand dunes and desert topography, few people give them the alpine street credit they deserve. As many northern Utah backcountry junkies will attest, these machines are just as ideal for cranking up forested trails and winding around mountainside hairpin turns.

Local companies off er guided and unguided tours throughout the nearby backcountry, making breath-taking views of Mount Timpanogos, the Cottonwood Canyons and Park City easily accessible—no hiking or chairlifts required. And thousands of scenic acres in the nearby Wasatch National Forest are just a short drive away. Most ATV rental companies can set guests up with a trailer, and some even off er pickup and delivery to an agreed upon starting and ending location.

There are several options for renting an ATV, depending on your group’s size, experience level, time restraints and budget. It’s also important to decide if a guided or self-guided is the better option for your preference. Professionally guided ATV tours allow riders to soak in the scenery, and often go a little more remote without fear of getting lost. On the flip side, self-guided tours allow drivers to have more control, and often more fun, while testing the ATV’s limits.

But no matter which option you choose, one thing is certain, you’re sure to have the ride of your life while experiencing Utah’s amazing backcountry.